Carbon tax not behind cokeworks decision

The carbon tax was not responsible for Illawarra Coke Company's decision to close the Coalcliff Cokeworks, a spokeswoman for Federal Climate Change Minister Greg Combet said.

"Illawarra Coke has been under considerable pressure from the high Australian dollar, high input costs and low coke prices," the spokeswoman said.

"Coke production is provided the highest level of assistance under the Jobs and Competitiveness Program. The 94.5 per cent assistance rate is equivalent to over $17 for every tonne of coke they produce.